GENERAL
Capital
Bridgetown.
Geography
Barbados is the easternmost of the Caribbean islands and is located about 320 km northeast of Trinidad. The beaches in the south and west consist of fine white, sometimes pink and honey-yellow sand. On the east coast, the surf of the Atlantic rages against the rocky coast. Barbados has a tropical climate, thanks to the constantly blowing trade winds, pleasant temperatures prevail almost all year round. Mainly sugar cane is grown on the fertile soils. The island is mostly flat and gently hilly only in the north. According to aceinland, Barbados is a country in Central America.
Government
Parliamentary monarchy (in the Commonwealth) since 1966. 1966 constitution. Bicameral parliament: Senate (21 appointed members) and National Assembly (30 elected members). Independent since 1966 (former British colony).
Head of state
Queen Elizabeth II, since 1952, represented by Governor General Elliot Belgrave, since June 2012.
Head of government
David Thompson, since January 2008.
Electricity
110-115 V, 50 Hz. Adapters are available in most hotels.
Time zone
Atlantic Standard Time: CET -5
CULINARY
Regional specialities
The island’s specialties are flying fish, lobster, sweet potato mash, breadfruit, plantain bananas, okra pods and yams. Sea urchin (Oursin or Sea Egg) is a very special delicacy. Avocados, pears, the exotic sour sops, papayas, mangos, bananas, figs and coconuts thrive in the island’s tropical climate.
useful information
Beware of the fruits of the manchineel tree, which look like apples – they are extremely poisonous!
Tip
Porters expect BDS $ 1 per bag. In restaurants and night clubs, the amount of the tip is left to the discretion of the guest. In hotels, the service surcharge is usually included in the invoice, otherwise 10-15% is usual.
Regional drinks
Large selection of mixed drinks such as B. Sangria or various cocktails based on rum (rum punch, planters punch, etc.). The rums distilled in Barbados, including Mount Gay, are among the best in the world. Connoisseurs appreciate the Cockspur’s Five Star. Many bars are reminiscent of English pubs and serve real English beer (the so-called bitter, semi-dark and top-fermented). Banks is the local (light) beer type.
Minimum age for consuming alcoholic beverages
In Barbados you can drink alcohol from the age of 18.
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels
The spectrum ranges from exclusive luxury hotels to simple guesthouses. The luxury hotels are on the west coast, the cheaper hotels can be found in the southwest. There are only a few hotels and guest houses on the east coast. Hotels are more expensive in the main winter season. Winter prices are valid from December 16th to April 15th. A government tax of 7.5% is added to all room rates and almost all hotels have a 15% service charge. Air conditioning is common, and most hotels have swimming pools. The prices given in hotel guides are often only valid for overnight stays without meals.
Categories: There is no star system. Hotels usually offer either the European Plan (EP = overnight stay only) or theModified American Plan (MAP = half board). For more information, contact the Tourist Office (see addresses) or the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association, PO Box 711C, Fourth Avenue, Belleville, St. Michael (Tel: 426 50 41. Internet: www.bhta.org).
Camping
Camping is generally not permitted, exceptions for youth group trips.
CULTURE
Religion
There are more than 100 religious groups on the island, mostly Christians (mostly Anglicans, but also Catholics, Baptists, Pentecostal members, Seventh-day Adventists, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, the Salvation Army and Quakers); continue to be Jewish, Hindu and Muslim minorities. The locals are generally very devout, regardless of their beliefs. They are always open-minded and tolerant towards people of other faiths.
Social rules of conduct
General: Barbados is generally a leisurely one, life is enjoyed. The architecture and administrative structure are in many ways reminiscent of English provincial towns. The English influence from the colonial era is unmistakable. In the former slave colony, personal freedom is particularly valued.
Manners : The Barbadians are known for their openness and hospitality. The common courtesy formulas should be observed. Shake hands to greet you. People should be asked before they are photographed.
Clothing: Casual clothing is accepted everywhere. Light cotton clothing is recommended. Wearing clothing in military camouflage or patterns is reserved for the military only. In hotels and restaurants, more elegant clothes (suit with tie, evening or cocktail dress) are expected in the evening. Swimwear belongs on the beach or the pool. It is forbidden to sunbathe on the beach naked or without a top.
Smoking: Since October 2010 smoking in public places has been prohibited by law. Failure to comply will result in fines.
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +1 246 Area (sqkm) 430 Population 290604 Population density (per sqkm) 676 Population in 2015 Member of the EU No main emergency number 511
